If you have an iPod, congratulations. You're the proud owner of one of the most popular — and versatile — portable digital media players on the planet. And while your iPod can do a lot on its own, the wide variety of accessories made for it can help you get the most entertainment out of your player. Whether you own a compact iPod shuffle® , iPod nano®, iPod classic®, or the advanced iPod touch®, coupling it with the right accessories can make a world of difference.

A case for your iPod

This Belkin leather case includes a protective clear screen you can control your player's touch screen through.

On-the-go listening and viewing are the main functions of an iPod. So why not protect your player when you're out and about? There's an impressive array of cases available for iPods. Many feature a clear panel to protect the iPod's screen, and some include padding or a folding flap for even more protection.

If you like to listen on walks or workouts, you can find a case outfitted for easy mobility with an attached arm band, belt clip, neck strap, or wrist strap. There are versions with a built-in stand, which position your iPod for easy video viewing.

And fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice style for functionality. Cases come in a variety of colors and designs, from conservative black leather to neon pink, blue, and green.

More power to your player

Your iPod came with a USB cable that you use to charge the player's battery via connection to your computer. But what if you don't feel like fishing around the back of your computer for a free USB port every time your iPod needs a charge?

The DenonASD-5W dock wirelessly connects to your home system, and has its own remote for iPod control.

That's where an iPod Dock comes in. Simply place the player in the Dock, and you've got an easy, always-available way to power your player and transfer songs and shows. You can also find models specially made to connect to certain brands of home receivers, so you can control your iPod with your receiver's remote.

Of course, chargers are available for listening in the car, too; they plug into your car's cigarette lighter. With the right power accessory, the music doesn't need to stop when your iPod's battery is drained.

Listening options on-the-go and at home

Possibilities abound for listening to your iPod on the go. One of the first accessories many iPod owners pick up is a nice set of headphones. The quality of headphones ranges widely from affordable "sport" designs to noise-canceling models with impressive bass and clarity. You may also want to consider a Y-adapter, which lets you plug two sets of headphones into one iPod. This can be helpful for listening on an airplane, train, bus, or any other setting where you want to share your music with another person.

Read our Learning Center article Headphones: How to Choose for more helpful suggestions.

At home, you can choose from an impressive array of speaker possibilities. There are mono, stereo, and even 2.1-channel speaker systems custom-designed for getting full, warm sound from your iPod — plus, you always have the option of connecting your iPod to your home A/V system. Best of all, many systems are styled to match the iPod's sleek looks. Here's a sample of what's available:

The Bose® SoundDock® 10 digital music system provides a remote to control your iPod with.

• iPod Speakers — While some of these systems connect to your iPod through a stereo minijack cable, most feature a built-in Dock connector. Just slip your player onto the speaker system, and enjoy the sound. Many are also portable, so you can take them to a friend's house, the basketball court, or anywhere you want to listen. They often provide the option of using batteries (usually "AA"s) or AC power. Some include an AM/FM radio. Higher-end systems can work well as a permanent sound system for an office or dorm room. Many include a remote.
• Computer speakers — Some speaker systems designed to provide multichannel sound from your computer can also work with your iPod. These systems connect to your player quickly and easily via a stereo minijack cable. And since many include subwoofers, they can deliver even more room-filling sound than systems with built-in Dock connectors.
• Your home A/V system — If you already have an audio system, that's probably the very best way to get great sound from your iPod. Hookup is simple, with the aid of a stereo miniplug-to-RCA cable connecting your iPod to your receiver. Alternatively, you can connect your Dock to your receiver this way. Some manufacturers — such as Denon and Yamaha — even sell special Docks that connect to their brand of receivers, so you can view your iPod's menus on your TV, and control the iPod using the receiver's remote.

The iLive IS819 features a wireless dock and speaker system.

There are also wireless solutions for listening to your iPod at home. Employing RF, Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth® technology, wireless transmitters plug into your iPod's headphone jack and transfer data across your living room to your receiver or powered speakers.